(Header/feature image courtesy of Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News) In the world of hockey, it’s easy to spot the brash and loud—those who let their confidence crash through locker rooms and media scrums. But sometimes, it’s the quieter ones, the players who let their game do the talking, who end up writing the most compelling stories. That’s Emil Andrae [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/emil-andraes-star-continues-to-burn-bright-earns-praise-from-coach-veteran-defenseman]. The 23-year-old Swedish defenseman may not be the most physically imposing figure on the ice at 5-foot-9, but his impact is undeniable. Anyone who’s been paying attention to how the Flyers have managed their defensive depth knows the writing is already on the wall: Andrae is the next man up. And he’s getting closer with each passing day. It’s not just a hunch or hopeful projection—it’s a trend backed by real organizational behavior. Any time the Flyers have needed a defenseman in the past season and a half, Andrae is almost always the first call [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/emil-andrae-seizing-opportunity-to-prove-his-place-with-flyers]https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/emil-andrae-seizing-opportunity-to-prove-his-place-with-flyers. He’s been trusted with NHL minutes, even when the team has had other promising options in the pipeline. That says something. That says a lot. Now, sure—critics will point to the final stretch of the 2024–25 season, where Andrae’s game hit some speed bumps. And yes, some of those games weren’t his finest. But, as much as some of the armchair analysts try to avoid it like the plague, context is everything. The Flyers, as a whole, were doing better under then-interim head coach Brad Shaw, but had little to play for once they were eliminated from playoff contention. They were able to enjoy a final fleeting moment of success after what was generally a thorny season, but it was evident they knew it might not last. On an individual scale, Andrae was placed in a pairing with Egor Zamula—two defensemen who simply didn’t mesh. It’s not fair to point the finger solely at either player, but sometimes the puzzle pieces just don’t click. Yet through that, Andrae never looked overwhelmed. He never looked out of place. And that matters. Because what Andrae does bring to the table—especially for a Flyers blue line that’s historically leaned heavier, tougher, and more conservative—is a refreshing injection of skill, poise, and offensive instinct. He’s a puck-mover with vision. He jumps into the rush with confidence. He’s fearless at the offensive blue line. His size? Sure, that’s always going to be a talking point for some fans. But you don’t need to be 6-foot-3 to break a forecheck with your legs and a smart first pass. You don’t need to be the biggest guy on the ice to understand how to control space and tempo. Andrae’s skating is smooth and deceptive, and he processes the game with the maturity of a veteran. His foundation is already built for the NHL pace—the rest is just about reps. Meanwhile, the Flyers have a growing crop of exciting defensive prospects. Oliver Bonk turned heads in London this year. Spencer Gill was a flashy swing at the draft. Helge Grans has tools and upside. But none of them have the NHL minutes that Andrae has already logged. None of them have shown they’re quite ready to handle the tempo, spacing, and decisions of the big leagues just yet. Could that change once Bonk and Gill get some professional experience, or if Grans shows strides in his game? Absolutely. But as it stands right now, Andrae has those aforementioned attributes in abundance. And he’s getting better each time. Don’t forget, too, that Flyers brass is watching closely. They’ve seen the progress in Lehigh Valley. They’ve seen the way he leads a breakout, quarterbacks a power play, and battles in the corners despite being outsized most nights. They’ve seen that Andrae isn’t just holding on—he’s growing into something bigger. With rumblings of a defensive shakeup on the horizon—Rasmus Ristolainen's name has arisen yet again in trade talks, RFA Cam York has yet to sign a new contract—the door is cracked open. And if Andrae puts together a strong training camp, there’s every reason to believe he can secure a spot on the NHL roster out of the gate. He won’t be the guy who blows you away with one highlight-reel play, then goes through the motions the rest of the night. He’s the guy who puts his head down and builds trust over 200-foot shifts, the guy who breaks up a play in the defensive zone, turns it up ice, and hits a winger in stride. That’s the kind of defenseman modern teams need—and that’s exactly what Andrae is shaping into. What’s more: he wants it. He’s not satisfied just being next in line. He’s trying to leapfrog the line altogether. As long as he embraces the natural learning curve that comes with being a young NHL defenseman—and continues to bring consistency and confidence—there’s little reason the Flyers shouldn’t make space for him. He doesn’t need to wait for the house to dial his number. He’s already on the front porch, banging on the door. And if they’re smart, the Flyers will sprint to let him in.
